Hi! I’m Philip, and i’ve tested and reviewed frying pans on the following factors: build quality, performance, value for money, and design to determine the best on the market, and help you find the right choice.
By Frank
Frying pans are a staple in every kitchen, and they come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Most today come with a non-stick coating that makes it easier to clean, but others, like the cast iron pan, are an old-but-gold alternative.
With a frying pan, the versatility of your kitchen has been upgraded. A really good quality frying pan allows you to cook lots of different meals, from breakfast pancakes to midnight scrambled eggs! My personal favourite meal to prepare in a frying pan is searing steaks with fried eggs on top. So delicious and really easy to do in a quality non-stick pan.
There are different types of frying pans on the market, and here we will break down the best. Hopefully, you will find the right one for you on this list, but don’t worry if you can’t see your perfect pan, because we will go through a buying guide at the end of the list that should give you some great insight into purchasing your ideal pan.
What is the best frying pan for you?
There are many factors to consider when buying a frying pan: your budget, desired material, size, and any other features that you may want, such as handle material, design, etc,. Once you have considered those factors, you’ll be more equipped to find the right one for you. Without further ado, lets jump into the list of the 10 best frying pans of 2024.
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Best Overall in the test
Le Creuset Signature pans can be used straight away, unlike other unseasoned cast iron pans. And, although it doesn’t have a non-stick coating, it is enamelled, meaning that it’s easy to clean. This pan emerged as the best of all the frying pans we tested as it comes with a lid, great pan-depth, six different size options to choose from, and 14 colour options. Also, this pan is oven safe, and compatible with induction hobs as well.
A really versatile pan, this pan is one of the most expensive on this list, so it is only for those with really variable budgets. It is a really long-lasting pan, and you are paying for the durability here, but it emerged as the best from our test because of the all-round quality and versatility that it offers.
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Strong and durable cast iron
- Versatile cooking option
- Enamelled coating
- Heavier than alternatives
- Very expensive
The Best Buy
Tefal have a great hold on the frying pan industry after inventing the non-stick frying pan, and they have decades of experience making premium quality induction frying pans. This model is no different, and is the top pick for the best buy of 2024. At a great price you’ll get a deep, stainless steel pan that has a comfortable handle, and a fully nonstick coating, even on high heat.
Although the lid is sold separately, this pan will serve in many scenarios really well, and is a pan that will last for years as Tefal pans come built to last, and are suitable for all hob types. It is a great pan for those who want a durable pan at a great price.
- Deep, non-stick frying pan
- Great value for money
- Ergonomic grip
- Comes in variety of sizes
- Lid not included
- Not oven safe
The Best Cheap Option
Don’t let this frying pan’s plain appearance fool you, as it is a versatile appliance for any budget. Being oven safe, this pan allows you to finish cooking in the oven from the induction hob, and its aluminium material is both light and durable. This model also comes with a non-stick surface, five different size options, and is a perfect frying pan overall for students, or small families on a budget.
Given it’s oven-safe capabilities, you have to watch out for the metal handle as that will get hot both in the oven and on the hob. Despite this, it is a great alternative to more expensive models, and even comes with a 10 year guarantee.
- Versatile equipment
- Nonstick frying pan
- Budget option
- Long-lasting
- Metal handle a safety concern
- Cheaper material
The Best Frying Pan with Ceramic Non-stick Coating
There are many advantages to using a ceramic-infused non-stick pan. Firstly, they are more climate-friendly than metal pans, and secondly, they are excellent conductors of heat. This pan is both those things and more. It is oven proof, comes with a lid, and in multiple sizes.
Cooking with a ceramic non-stick pan is also healthier, as no oil is required to cook eggs etc., and the surface of the pan retains heat for longer, making it also slightly more economic to use this pan to cook. Overall, this is a great option for those who want a durable, economical, and ecological pan with all the versatility of an aluminium or stainless steel frying pan.
- Environmentally friendly
- Oven compatible
- Various sizes
- Lid included
- Metal handle
The Best Frying Pan with Lid Included
This frying pan is as aesthetic as it is useful for the home cook. It features a beautiful wooden handle, which means it is not oven proof, however, this deep frying pan doubles as a saucepan as well, meaning you can use it to cook all sorts of dishes from the induction hob alone if you wanted.
At a great price, this non-stick frying pan with lid included will last forever, and can help you create a variety of meals from one pan, that ranges from 20-32cm.
- Great design
- Lid included
- Deep pan
- Affordable
- Not oven-proof
The Best Large Frying Pan
Another great frying pan from SENSARTE, this model is 30cm wide, and really deep, allowing you to cook much more in one pan! It also features a wooden handle, and has a handle on the other side for when the pan is filled with delicious food and it’s time to serve.
Also coming with a non-stick coating, this pan is scratch resistant and burn proof, which makes this one of the most durable out there on the market – and at such a great price! This is definitely one of the best large frying pans on the market this year.
- Extra-large capacity
- Two handles
- Non-stick and scratch proof
- Great price
- Not oven proof
- Very heavy
The Best Small Frying Pan
A high-grade brande, Royal van Kempen & Begeer are on of the best in the game of making non stick frying pans. This model has a stainless steel base with a ceramic non-stick coating, and can be used on gas hobs or in the oven. It is ideal for those who desire a smaller frying pan that does not skimp on build quality. It is a lightweight pan, and you can put this pan in the dishwasher.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best nonstick pans out there, and will serve you for years. However, it is not for large dishes, and bigger families and households may struggle to make use of it.
- Small and compact
- Premium quality brand
- Great design
- Versatile
- Small cooking area
- High price
The Best Ceramic Frying Pan Set
This is one of the best non-stick frying pan sets out there on the market this year, and is great cookware for steak. It comes with two pans that vary in size (20cm & 26cm) and they are oven and dishwasher safe. Although not the biggest, it’s made up for with great build quality.
GreenPan make sustainable pans to buy. So, if you want your frying pan to make the world a less polluted place, then this is a great option, and ceramic pans are great for conducting heat and retaining that smooth non-stick surface over time.
- Sustainable material
- Great build quality
- Affordable price
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Smaller surface area
- No lifetime guarantee
The Best Stainless Steel Frying Pan
This is one of the best non stick frying pans made from sturdy stainless steel. It has a 24cm surface area, and the bottom is layered with an induction-suitable honeycomb structure. Given that it comes with a stainless steel handle, this frying pan is also oven proof.
The best is that this frying pan is made from high quality stainless steel which is long lasting and durable. Although it is rather costly, it is worth the asking price due to its great quality that exceeds most ceramic or aluminium alternatives.
- Great heat distribution
- Oven proof
- Honeycomb base
- Not dishwasher safe
- Expensive
The Best Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron frying pans are classic cookware that have an amazing reputation among avid home cooks, and for good reason. When used well and looked after, they can provide you with a versatile and durable cooking option for decades. This option comes already seasoned, which is perfect for newcomers who don’t know how to season a cast iron yet.
At such an affordable rate, the cast iron can become one of your most reliable pans, and when seasoned correctly, is one of the best non-stick pans ever made!
- Durable
- Pre-seasoned
- Oven and hob compatible
- Spout for easy pouring
- Heavy and cumbersome
Buying Guide: What to look out for to find the best pan for you
So, that was our list for the 10 best frying pans of 2024. If you found one that catches your eye, then we’re happy to have helped steer you in the right direction, but if not, then don’t worry. Here, we’ll break down what to look out for in more detail, so you can choose the best frying pan to suit your needs most:
What is your budget? The start of any purchase should be how much you’re able to spend. Frying pans can range from very cheap to highly expensive, so it’s important to have an estimate in mind before looking, in case you make a bad purchase. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!
What size pan is best? For you, having the right sized pan is important, and to answer that question, you should consider how many people will be catered for, and what type of dishes you’ll want to cook with your new pan. Larger dishes will require deeper pans, as will more portions, so bare that in mind.
Oven proof? Some pans aren’t oven proof, and if that is an issue for you, then consider choosing a pan that is versatile enough to go in the oven also. Just bare in mind that if the pan is oven proof, the handle will be metal, meaning that it would be hot to the touch.
What material? Pans come in ceramic, stainless steel, aluminium, and iron, and they all enjoy different durabilities, weights, and resistances. Lighter pans are less durable, but heavier pans can be cumbersome. Stainless steel is a great all-rounder, as it’s light and durable, while also having the added benefit of being completely oven proof.
Once you’ve asked yourself those questions, you should be armed with the knowledge to get out there to choose the best non-stick frying pan for you. If you still can’t decide, however, then we recommend one of the 10 from this list, which are all great options and passed our test with flying colours.
Conclusion: the best frying pan
Overall, the best frying pan is really the one which suits your needs, and cooking style, best. Frying pans are often great in most cases, but in order to have a reliable pan that will last a lifetime, choosing the best one requires assessing your needs before making the purchase.
Out of all the pans from the best frying pans 2024 test was the Le Creuset Signature for its all-round capabilities, build quality, and performance. Another alternative is the classic and timeless cast iron, which will make your life so much easier in the kitchen, if looked after properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Cast iron, or non-stick stainless steel for their durability and versatility.
Non-stick pans are excellent for healthy eating, as they require no oil to cook with – a feature that the best air fryers and best frying pans have in common!